What is mission command primarily concerned with?

Mission command is primarily concerned with the exercise of authority through mission orders. This concept focuses on empowering subordinate leaders to make decisions based on the commander's intent rather than on explicit orders for every action. By providing mission orders, leaders convey the overall objectives and desired outcomes while allowing subordinates the flexibility to adapt their tactics and methods to achieve those goals. This approach fosters initiative, adaptability, and responsibility among team members, enabling faster responses to changing circumstances on the battlefield.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the core principles of mission command. A clear delegation of tasks is more aligned with a command-and-control style of leadership, where every task is explicitly defined. Directing every action taken by subordinates contradicts the very essence of mission command, which seeks to decentralize decision-making. Maintaining rigid operational guidelines undermines the flexibility that mission command promotes, as it does not account for the dynamic nature of military operations.